Description
Tanto: Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token) (NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token) (Koshirae: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu Token)(Consignment Sale)
Signature: Nobutoshi Saku
Meiji 3rd Nen 10 Gatsu Hi (October 1870)
信寿作
明治三年十月日
We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku.
This work is ranked as Jyo Saku for Nobutoshi.
Habaki: Single-layered silver
Blade Length: 17.7 cm (6.97 in)
Curvature: Slight
Mekugi Hole: 2
Width at Base (Motohaba): 1.99 cm (0.78 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.57 cm (0.22 in)
Sword Weight: 85 g
Era: Meiji 3rd Year, October (1870)
Shape: A small-sized tanto in the style of kabutogane-otoshi.
Jigane: Well-forged small itame-hada, forming a fine and clear grain pattern.
Hamon: Nie-deki with well-activated rounded gunome-midare. The boshi is komaru with a slightly extended tip.
Features:Nobutoshi was the eldest son of Kurihara Nobuhide and also worked in Echigo.
This piece was crafted in October of Meiji 3 (1870).
In the following year, Meiji 4 (1871), the Haitōrei (Sword Abolishment Edict) was issued, prohibiting samurai and townspeople from possessing swords, wakizashi, and tanto.
It is likely that this tanto was among the last works he produced.
Due to the difficulty of making or possessing swords at that time, he may have created a compact tanto, complemented by a beautifully crafted koshirae.
Koshirae:
Kozuka: Engraved fan and floral motif on shibuichi base
Saya (Scabbard): Black lacquered with inrō carving
Tsuba: Protruding-style tsuba
Fuchikashira & Kojiri: Engraved fan and floral motif on shibuichi base
Menuki: Cormorant and basket carved in shakudō with gold accents
Aoi Art’s Comment:Kurihara Nobuhide, the father, continued to produce works such as straight swords and those with carvings even after the Haitōrei.
Moritoshi, a disciple of Nobuhide, has no known works after the Haitōrei of Meiji 3, October.
Many craftsmen were forced to abandon their trade due to the edict, facing the sorrow of closing their businesses.
NBTHK Hozon Token Certificate
NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Token Certificate
Koshirae: NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Tosogu Certificate
Aoi Art Estimation Paper: Whole Oshigata
日本語
